Guilin
China's most iconic karst landscape — misty peaks, emerald rivers, and the legendary Li River cruise.
⚡ Quick Facts
Best Time
Apr–Oct
Suggested Stay
3–4 days
Airport
KWL (Liangjiang)
Train Hub
Guilin West / Guilin North
🏔️ Must-See Attractions
Li River Cruise (Guilin → Yangshuo)
★★★ MustThe quintessential China experience — a 4-hour boat trip past thousands of karst peaks rising from the river, water buffalo on the banks, and cormorant fishermen. The scenery on the ¥20 bill is real, and it's on this route.
Book 1–2 days ahead in peak season · Passport required for boarding
Yangshuo & West Street
★★★ MustWhere the Li River cruise ends — a laid-back town surrounded by karst peaks. Rent a scooter, cycle through rice paddies, or try rock climbing on the limestone cliffs. West Street is touristy but lively at night.
Yulong River Bamboo Raft
★★ RecommendedA quieter alternative to the Li River — drift down a peaceful tributary on a motorized bamboo raft past tiny villages and farmland. Pass through small water dams for a fun splash. More intimate than the big cruise.
Longji Rice Terraces
★★ RecommendedSpectacular terraced hillsides carved into the mountains over 650 years by the Zhuang people. Hike between villages, stay in a wooden guesthouse, and watch the terraces change color with the seasons.
🍜 What to Eat
Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen)
The city's soul food — silky rice noodles in a rich broth with pickled beans, peanuts, and sliced meat. Locals eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Skip the fancy restaurants — the best bowls come from hole-in-the-wall shops.
Price: ¥10–20 per bowl
Yangshuo Beer Fish
Fresh river fish braised in local beer with tomatoes, green peppers, and chili. A Yangshuo specialty — every restaurant on West Street claims to make the best version. The sauce is the star.
Price: ¥60–100 per fish
Oil Tea (Youcha)
A traditional drink of the Yao and Zhuang minorities — tea leaves pounded with ginger, garlic, and peanuts, then brewed with hot water. Bitter at first sip, then savory and warming. An acquired taste worth trying.
Price: ¥15–25
🚇 Getting Around
Guilin to Yangshuo: The Li River cruise is the best way (4 hours). Returning: buses run every 20 min from Yangshuo South Bus Station to Guilin (¥25, 1.5 hours). DiDi costs ¥80–120.
Within Yangshuo: Electric scooters are king — rent one for ¥50/day from any shop near West Street. Bicycles ¥20/day for the countryside routes.
To Longji Terraces: Take a bus from Guilin Qintan Bus Station to Longsheng (¥25, 2 hours), then transfer to a local minibus to the terraces (¥15, 40 min). Or book a day tour from Guilin.
Guilin city itself is just the gateway — spend 1 night there max, then head to Yangshuo. Most of the magic happens between the karst peaks, not in the city.
For detailed transport guides, see Transport & Getting Around.
💡 Insider Tips
Book the 4-star Li River boat
The 3-star boats are crowded and loud with tour guide microphones. The 4-star boat has half the passengers, cleaner facilities, and much less noise. Worth the extra ¥144.
Visit Xingping for the ¥20 bill view
The famous karst peaks on the ¥20 note are at Xingping — take a bamboo raft from Xingping pier. Even if you do the big cruise, this short raft ride gives you the iconic photo angle.
Avoid Guilin in the rainy season
May–July is flood season. The Li River cruise and bamboo rafts get cancelled frequently. April and September–October offer the best balance of weather and scenery.
Stay in a village near Yangshuo
West Street is fun for one evening but noisy. Book a guesthouse in a nearby village like Jiuxian or Fuli for peaceful karst views right outside your window.